Todd Barnes

When I started practicing asbestos law, I knew very little about the substance. But I quickly learned how deadly it was and the devastation it could cause for those who were exposed to it.  The first asbestos client I had the honor to meet passed away the very next day from mesothelioma.  That experience helped solidify just how important my job is and how serious my responsibility is.  While I can never give someone back their health or bring back a loved one, I can hopefully make things a little bit better going forward.

In 2015, I argued before the Indiana Supreme Court in the consolidated cases Myers v. Crouse Hinds and General Electric vs. Geyman.  Prior to these cases, asbestos product manufacturers were immunized from legal responsibility in Indiana by a “statute of repose.”  This repose statute cut off victims’ rights before they were even aware they were sick.  This law was grossly unfair, and I had the privilege of arguing that it was not constitutional.  The Supreme Court agreed and restored the rights of Indiana residents to hold product manufacturers responsible for the injuries, illness, and death that they caused by selling toxic products.  Since Myers and Geyman, numerous Indiana residents injured by asbestos and similar products have successfully pursued their claims against manufacturers of toxic and deadly products.

Other highlights of my career include writing and/or arguing appeals concerning the Indiana Construction Statute of Repose (Gill v. Evansville Sheet Metal), premise owners’ responsibilities to persons on their property (Myers v. Bremen Casting), the duties of landlords renting homes containing lead paint (Erwin v. Roe), and the scope of workers compensation exclusivity provisions (Anderson v. A.H. Bennett Company).  In all these cases, defendants sought to evade responsibility for injuries that they caused, but the courts sided with us to hold them accountable.

My work is not just for our clients.  On multiple occasions, I’ve volunteered my time representing the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association (“ITLA”) on behalf of injured persons.  In these cases, I’ve worked pro bono (without a fee) to explain to the appellate courts how their decisions could affect other people in addition to the specific parties to the appeal.

I primarily work with DOBS’ briefing team and write legal arguments to appellate and trial courts around the country. My goal for our clients is always to maximize their recovery in an honest, ethical, and timely manner.   I understand the difficulties and traumas clients face, and the stress a lawsuit can bring.  I believe it’s my job not just to know the law, but to help and counsel injured clients and their families during difficult times.

Michigan State University, BA with High Honor, 1995

University of Notre Dame Law School, JD, 1999

Michigan, 1999

Indiana, 2005

Western District of Michigan, 2001

Central District of Illinois, 2002

Northern District of Indiana, 2005

Southern District of Indiana, 2007

Indiana Trial Lawyers Association – Board of Directors

American Association for Justice – Leaders Forum Member

Past Presentations and Volunteer Activities

Indiana High School Mock Trial Competition – Judge

Decatur High School – We the People classroom judge and speaker

South Bend Landlord Association – Guest Speaker on Lead Hazards and Disclosure Obligations

Midwest Asbestos Litigation Seminar – Speaker “Updates to Indiana Asbestos Law”

Reported Decisions

Anderson v. A.H. Bennett Company, 2025 WL 304167 (Minn. Ct. App. 2025)

Converse v. Elkhart General Hospital, 120 N.E.3d 621 (Ind. Ct. App. 2019) (for amicus curiae Indiana Trial Lawyers Association)

Dalton v. Myers, 65 N.E.3d 1142 (Ind. Ct. App. 2016)

Erwin v. Roe, 928 N.E.2d 609 (Ind. Ct. App. 2010)

Gill v. Evansville Sheet Metal, 970 N.E.2d 633 (Ind. 2012)

In re Reinz Wisconsin Gasket, LLC, 2023 WL 2568236 (Del. Ch. 2023)

Myers v. Bremen Casting, 61 N.E.3d 1205 (Ind. Ct. App. 2016)

Myers v. Crouse-Hinds, 53 N.E3d 1160 (Ind. 2016)